How to Find a Good Endometriosis Gynecologist

When it was time to start seeing a gynecologist, I simply made an appointment with the doctor that my older sister went to. My mind was still trying to wrap around the concept of breast and pelvic exams to be doing an in-depth search of doctors.

Plus, my sister didn’t have any complaints, so it seems like an easy choice.

Fast forward a decade, I was sitting in the office explaining the pelvic pain I had been experiencing for years as well as the thick clots and other extreme symptoms during my period. As much as I hate to admit it, I didn’t know what was normal and what was a warning sign for something more significant like endometriosis.

Nobody in my friends or family had endometriosis, and if they did, they certainly weren’t talking about it. So, there I was hoping that this gynecologist that I kind of stumbled into was going to be well-trained in endometriosis.

Finding a doctor who would help with endometriosis

She certainly had to have a basic understanding of it through her medical training, but how much did she stay current on the latest research to pursue an accurate diagnosis and identify the best treatment options for me. Before I knew it, we were discussing laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure, but a surgery, nonetheless.

What to look for when selecting a doctor

Was she the right doctor to perform surgery? It turns out the answer for me in this case was yes, but here are some of the considerations I used to come to this conclusion that may help you in making a similar decision.

Medical qualifications

First and foremost, I want to check their medical training, their continuing education, and their specialties. My doctor's medical training was impressive, but it was here experience in treating endometriosis that brought me the most hope and assurance.

Hospital association

Because we were discussing surgery, it was also important to know her hospital association. She performed surgery at my preferred hospital so that was a big win.

Another big win was that she had a lot of experience treating endometriosis. Had these two factors not been as positive, I would have sought out a second opinion or another practice that aligned with my preferred hospital and had experience in endometriosis.

Collaborations with other specialists

Because I had several other health conditions at the same time including migraines and even more relevant, interstitial cystitis, it was important to me that she and her practice would be collaborative with the other specialists on my care team.

In all honesty this one is hard to tell in advance, but I did feel my odds were increased since all my doctors were within the same health system. I felt if nothing else, they could all access the same files and records.

Last, but certainly not least, it was important to me that if felt like a collaborative approach between her and I.

As the doctor, she has the expertise and medical training that I am relying upon. As the patient, I know my body best and want to know that she recognizes and honors that.

Ironically, this last step can be the hardest one to achieve, but just because it doesn’t happen right off the bat, as with any relationship, it can develop over time.

Now, I’m curious to hear from you. What has helped you to find a good gynecologist to manage endometriosis? Share below so we can learn from you too!